World Bank Statement on Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines

Washington DC - World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim spoke to reporters in Washington DC about the tragic loss of life and destruction in the Philippines caused by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).

"I want to express our deepest condolences to the people of the Philippines. We are watching the situation very closely, and we're prepared to be involved to help in any way that the government finds appropriate," said Jim Yong Kim, World Bank Group President.

As the Government of the Philippines takes the lead, with the support of humanitarian relief agencies, to ensure that victims of the disaster quickly receive the help they need, including food, shelter and medicine, the Bank Group is working closely with the government and other development agencies to provide all necessary support.

The government has been making a strong effort to improve resilience and emergency preparedness, and is experienced with post disaster needs assessments. We have supported these efforts in the past, and can provide support this time as well with a damage assessment team available upon request.

The unprecedented scale of this disaster means the country will need a long-term reconstruction plan. We are discussing with the government how best we can help, drawing on our work in the recovery of Aceh, Indonesia, after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

We are also prepared to mobilize substantial financial resources quickly to assist with reconstruction and to help communities become safer and more resilient, especially the poor and vulnerable. We stand ready to provide assistance in the days and months ahead, depending on the government’s needs and requests.